Latest news with #Uzalo
News24
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
SHE'S BACK! Actress Asavela Mqokiyana returns to our screens as Sizakele on Uzalo
We were first introduced to her on Isibaya where she played a character that quickly became a fan favourite. She later joined the cast of Abomama further cementing herself as a rare gem in the entertainment industry. She however took a break from acting after becoming a mother. Her personal life made tabloids dry when she was away from the limelight, but she is back in the entertainment industry. Actress Asavela Mqokiyana has taken a giant leap in her acting career, as she now stars in the country's top soapie, Uzalo. She is upbeat about being back to doing what she loves the most, telling Drum that she is excited about securing the Uzalo gig, which has changed her life. The dry spell in her career is finally over and she's ready to take over the industry again. 'I'm thrilled to join the team of South Africa's biggest show! Being part of this iconic production is a testament to my hard work. Although I was initially nervous about returning to screen, the production team's warmth and support have made the transition seamless. The crew is fantastic, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to shine. I'm looking forward to making a meaningful contribution and exceeding expectations,' she says. While some of her industry peers grapple with various challenges in the cutthroat industry, she has been fortunate not to encounter any major setbacks. 'I've been fortunate to navigate the industry smoothly by focusing on the craft and delivering quality work. By staying task-oriented, I've managed to sidestep potential challenges and enjoy a fulfilling career,' she explains. As an actress, playing different roles is something she enjoys and now playing Sizakele whom she describes has intelligent and soft. 'I'm loving playing Sizakele - her independence and intelligence really shine through. She's a liberated character with a softer side, and I'm excited for you to see her in action. Tune in to find out more about this fascinating character,' the 28-year-old mother of one says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Asavela Mqokiyana (@asavela__m) Although her marital woes grabbed headlines when she got divorced from her husband with whom she has one child, she remains tight-lipped about whether she would ever walk down the aisle again, indicating that she doesn't wish to delve into that matter. Read more | Babes Wodumo reflects on musical comeback and Mampintsha - 'I miss his jokes' She however maintains that she loves being an actress and the ability to bring various characters to life. 'As an actress, I love bringing characters to life. Seeing my work air on TV is a reminder of the impact we thespians have on audiences. It's a thrill to be part of storytelling that resonates with viewers,' AFDA graduate says.
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Rihanna drops new music for ‘The Smurfs'
The new single will be released this Friday. While fans are still eagerly awaiting Rihanna's long-anticipated ninth studio album, the global superstar has announced a new track titled Friend of Mine. The singer's new single was unveiled in the trailer for the upcoming Smurfs movie on Wednesday. The film will hit cinemas on 18 July this year, with Rihanna voicing the character of Smurfette. ALSO READ: Rapper Tory Lanez recovering after being stabbed 14 times in prison Rihanna's first musical release since 2022 The full track of Friend of Mine, set to be released this Friday, marks Rihanna's first musical release since 2022's Lift Me Up. Since the release of her 2016 album Anti, Rihanna has only occasionally dropped singles. Over the years, she has shifted her focus to building her billion-dollar Fenty empire, which spans beauty, skincare, and lingerie. The Kiss It Better hitmaker has also been focusing on growing her family with partner A$AP Rocky. The couple, already parents to two sons, revealed they are expecting a third child at the 2025 Met Gala last week. A source close to the couple told People that Rihanna and Rocky were thrilled to grow their family. 'Rihanna has always wanted a big family, so she couldn't be more excited. Rihanna and Rocky are thrilled to be growing their family, and they can't wait to give their boys another sibling. They wanted to have their children close together in age, so that they could grow up together and share a close bond,' the source said. NOW READ: 'After judging us, please pray for us': Uzalo actor Vusi Mdiniso denies rumours he's homeless
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Uzalo actor Vusi Mdiniso denies rumours he's homeless
Vusi currently plays the character of Sgidi on Uzalo. A picture of Uzalo actor Vusi Mdiniso on the streets pulling a trolley has sparked rumours that he is homeless. The actor has since poured cold water on the rumours. The image in question is from his current role on Uzalo, where he portrays the character Sgidi. Actor Vusi Mdiniso as Sgidi on Uzalo. Picture: Facebook ALSO READ: 'I have been trying to survive' – Skeem Saam actress Pebetsi Matlaila staying in a shelter with her kids Vusi Mdiniso sets the record straight Reacting to the rumours, Mdiniso posted photos of his late grandmother's house, which he is currently renovating. He thanked Uzalo for the opportunity, while also taking a swipe at those spreading the false claims. 'After judging us actors, please pray for us. We want to be perfect, just like you. Thank you, Uzalo SABC 1, for turning my dreams into reality. 'My grandparents took me to school, and this is how I say thank you, Mtimande,' he wrote. Mdiniso also told TshisaLIVE that when the photo was taken, his character was in disguise, entering enemy territory to retrieve money as part of a storyline. He added that misleading posts like these can have serious real-world consequences. 'I wish people truly understood the emotional and personal impact these kinds of posts can have. This post has caused unnecessary confusion and concern among my actual fans and the public. I'm just grateful that those who identify with my work quickly recognised the image as a scene from Uzalo,' he told the publication. NOW READ: Rapper Tory Lanez recovering after being stabbed 14 times in prison
News24
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Uzalo's breakout star Tsepo Doncabe shares lessons on teen fame and future ambitions
Growing up, he always wanted to pursue acting, but the dream was not within reach, because there were no known actors in the area he lived in, so achieving it seemed like a pipe dream. In his determination to pursue his life-long dream of becoming an actor, he decided to get into theatre, which paved the way for him to ultimately enter into the entertainment industry. Tsepo Doncabe stars as Nkazimulo on Uzalo, the country's biggest show. The star chats to Drum candidly about the pressures of fame at a young age, how he found his feet in the industry, what he still plans to to do within the industry. 'I actually got my first gig on Shaka ILembe, at that time I had already gotten the Uzalo role, so I appeared on Uzalo first. Before I appeared on TV, I did theatre for five years while still in search of a big acting break,' he says, adding that he's got no formal training in acting, but pure talent. Achieving fame at such a young age can have its drawbacks and Tsepo is well aware of this, as he notes that many older actors have taken fame to their heads. 'The pressures of fame are there, because I've seen older actors, especially on social media doing some crazy things, because of fame and not being able to handle the pressures that come with being famous. I unfortunately don't care about what other people think of me.' Read more | Skeem Saam's Mogau Keebine speaks on marriage, motherhood, and acting woes His former colleague Wiseman Mncube played a significant role in shaping him for the big screen. when Tsepo started out in the industry, he mentored him and showed him the ropes, which is something he will never forget. 'Wiseman took me in and showed me what the industry is about, and he offered advice and really helped me to find my feet in the industry and for that I'm grateful, because now I'm growing in leaps and bounds. There are things I still want to do within the industry, such as starting my own production company, and directing my own work,' he asserts. The Durban-born actor is aware of how dark Nkazimulo is, and maintains that they are nothing alike. However, he believes that when viewers hate his character it proves that he is doing exactly what the writers want from him as an actor. 'The things Nkazimulo does are hair raising stuff, and I as Tsepo on the other hand, I'm a layed back guy, who when I set something on my mind, there's no turning back. I go for it. I wish to play more challenging roles that showcase my versatility as an actor. When a character is dislikes a lot, it shows that I'm doing my best an actor, so I regard as a good thing.' The star also reveals that before he got into acting, he was heavily into poetry, which is a craft he also wants to harness. 'I love poetry, and I didn't just want to become an actor, but I also enjoy poetry. I love writing, and while I'm still growing, everyday in the industry, intend to also grow my poetry aspirations,' he concludes.
The South African
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
'I decided to quit': Veteran actor Abdul Khoza quits acting
The Wife star actor Abdul Khoza shocked fans when he quit acting, sharing the news on Instagram. Abdul is among the most decorated and celebrated actors in South Africa. The talented actor has been part of many shows and movies like Isibaya, Shaka ILembe and Uzalo. A few weeks ago, he left The Wife, but his fans did not know it was his last day as an actor. Sharing on his Instagram, Abdul left a lesson for upcoming actors who must go through auditions. Abdul Khoza. image via Instagram @abdul_khoza Sharing the news, Abdul gave a classy farewell to acting. 'So I decided to share one of the last auditions I did this year before I quit acting simply.' He started. 'This is a way for me to show those who still wish to pursue a career in Acting that we all go through the audition processes. For an actor to get a role, they are required to audition, and this is my last self-tape'self-tape, he continued. 'I hope it gives you a better understanding of the process and how we do it. Thank you to @spholaricky for reading this with me.' he continued. 'Last but not least: THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO EVER SUPPORTED MY JOURNEY AS AN ACTOR, I AM HONORED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHARE MY TALENTS WITH YOU. I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN MY TALENT WITHOUT YOU 🇿🇦,' he finished thanking his fans. After Abdul had revealed the message, he touched his fans' hearts. After Abdul Khoza revealed that he quit acting, fellow celebrities and fans gave him a strong farewell. @Sthembiso Sk Khoza 'Giving you a standing ovation👏what matters sunny is that we arrived, served and concurred all the roles we played…As we take a bow, we know what we are doing…Many will never understand our decision, but what matters is that we fully understand😉 Onwards and upwards, King 🙌👏' @Masasa Mbangeni 'You're incredible & I hope in a time when you've taken a breath, we get to see you again soon xxx.' @Thato Immaculate 'We have truly lost Bhuti, but I know you will gain, and that's all that matters, to fill your cup. Thank you for being brilliant, and thank you for teaching me. Aluta' @Asanele Oliphant 'Aw Shalala Lala' 🥹❤️ we'll never forget you🙌🏾 you're amazing' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
